1986 Ford Bronco Ii recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
The fix: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 BRONCO II.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V145000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS
Summary: WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
Remedy: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Notes: SYSTEM: WIRING FOR POWER LUMBAR SEATS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE VEHICLES AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWER LUMBARSEAT ADJUSTERS IN THE FRONT SEATS.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
What could happen: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
The fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 BRONCO II.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE COUPLINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FUELINJECTION.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE COULD LEAK AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 BRONCO II.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V130000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE COULD LEAK AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS WITH 2.9 LITER V-6 ENGINES.
4. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS INSULATION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO COPPER SPIKES PRODUCED DURING THE WELDING OF ITS WIRES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WIRES WHICH ENERGIZE THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING SOME FUEL INJECTORS TO OPEN, DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL DISCHARGED INTO THE ENGINE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAK THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO THE GROUND. TH…
What could happen:
The fix: REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 BRONCO II.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V116000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS INSULATION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO COPPER SPIKES PRODUCED DURING THE WELDING OF ITS WIRES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WIRES WHICH ENERGIZE THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING SOME FUEL INJECTORS TO OPEN, DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL DISCHARGED INTO THE ENGINE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAK THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.9 LITER ENGINE. SYSTEM: ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1986 Ford Bronco Ii owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (9), Engine (9), Seat belts (8), Seats (3), Vehicle Speed Control (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/07/2019 · Electrical system
TFI
07/23/2012 · Wheels / tires · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II EQUIPPED WITH TERRA TRACK HERCULES TOURING TIRES, SIZE: P235 75/R15 MS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING A ROLL OVER CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED…
04/26/2005 · Electrical system · fire
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER LATER CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP. *AK
02/12/2003 · Engine
THERE IS A PART ON THE VEHICLE, THE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE, THAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO REPLACE A THIRD TIME. IT IS COSTLY AND SEEMS TO ME TO BE RIDICULOUS THAT IHAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT SO MANY TIMES IN THE ALMOST 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II 4X4 EDDIE BAUER SERIES.
10/15/2001 · Seats
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE, PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT, INCIDENT CAUSED PERMANENT INJURIES, CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION. *TT
10/15/2001 · Seats
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE, PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT, INCIDENT CAUSED PERMANENT INJURIES, CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION. *TT
06/20/2001 · Seats · crash
DRIVER SEAT IS FALLING DOWN IN FRONT WIN YOU STOP. LOOK AT SOME OTHER BRONCO II AND THAY HAVE THE SAME BRAKE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT IN THE PAN. WENT TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM AND GOT NO RESPONSE.*AK
06/15/2001 · Wheels / tires
THE FIBERGLASS ALL AROUND MY SPARE TIRE AREA IS CRACKED BECAUSE THE SUPPORT BRACKET IS TOO SMALL, NOT HOLDING ENOUGH WEIGHT FOR THE TIRE.